Rad Dixon – formerly known as Rated R (aka Rated Righteous) – made a powerful entrance into 2023 with his brand new ten-track studio album, Hard Times. Powered by the Jamaican imprint Tasjay Productions, Hard Times is a flawless, solid, roots record, that touches on varying topics: social issues, relationships, spirituality and creativity.

The title track, which features reggae legend Luciano, has two mixes: a soul, and a reggae version. The reggae track was created by Osborne ‘Ifield’ Joseph of Rock Stone Records (Toronto, Ontario); and mixed and mastered by Clevie of the famed duo Steely & Clevie. As for the soul version, it was done by Delroy ‘Phatta’ Pottinger at Anchor Studio in Kingston, Jamaica. Both have been doing well in their respective fields, resulting in the release of an official video. 

The visuals were directed, shot and edited by Nordia Rose in Jamaica, and was shared on Tasjay Productions‘ YouTube channel a few days ago (January 6th). The only other collaboration on the LP is a beautiful lovers-rock tune called Right Portion, done with Portmore singer Talee. 

The preceding tracks aside, Dixon comfortably carried the rest of the tunes on his own (True Love, Mama’s Love, On and On, Reggae Vibes, Jah Never Sleep, Break My Heart and Tuff Life). Armed with the writing skills of James Smith, Fitz Livermore and Luciano, and supported by the talented musicians at Tasjay Productions, Rad Dixon delivered masterful performances on all the songs. 

Hard Times went live on all streaming platforms on New Year’s Day. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “HARD TIMES”

The Giddy Hall Class of 89 Reunion will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at the Whitehall Sports Complex in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. This is a family event that will have bounce-a-bout for kids, six side football matches, and a live reggae concert. Confirmed performers are reggae-dancehall artist Sugar Bear, Barbadian singer and songwriter Rayvon (known for his work with Shaggy), and international recording artist Terry Linen.

Linen is currently promoting his latest single – Playing Money Games – which was released last year by Tad’s Record Inc. On the track he talks about the contentious subject of women dating men for money, while making it clear where he stands on the matter. The record was shared in early May and the official video followed months later, in September.

It is expected that Terry Linen will perform the aforementioned song, along with his other hits – Couldn’t Be The Girl For Me, Jah Jah You Save Me, Your Love Is My Love etc. – at the upcoming reunion. The show will also feature Ruffcut International, Tripple T Sound and other respected selectors and sound-systems.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “PLAYING MONEY GAMES”

Reality Shock and Qalabah First Music present “Look Within,” a very special father-son combination from Mikey General‘s album Hold A Heights. The official video for “Look Within,” made in Jamaica, premiered on YouTube on January 7th. The song features saxophone by the late great Ray Carless, bass by Patrick Williamson, guitar and percussion by Kris Kemist and backing vocals by Indra Rudder. It was mixed and mastered at Reality Shock Studio.

The album Hold A Heights has been making waves across the globe since its release, peaking at #2 on the Foundation Radio Network Reggae Album Charts in the USA and #2 on the Reggae-Vibes album charts in Europe.

^SUBMITTED

It has been said that when you attend a George Nooks concert, you are getting three artists for the price of one; a roots reggae singer, a gospel minister, and DJ Prince Mohamed. Persons planning to attend the upcoming Rebel Salute Reggae Festival on January 20th and 21st should keep that in mind, as Nooks has been added to the lineup.

George Nooks is among the few artists that’s able to put 2022 in the win column. He started the year where he left off in 2021, by promoting his latest album – Through It All – shared by Tad’s Record Inc. Throughout the year, he has had several public appearances, enjoyed peak positions on key charts, and has done quite a few concerts; Plantation Smokehouse and DTHS Fundraiser, among them. 

After kicking off 2023 at the 8th Annual Eastern Extravaganza, George Nooks is now gearing up for Rebel Salute. He is also currently promoting his newest video, I Surrender All, shared approximately one month ago by the team at Tad’s Record.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “I SURRENDER ALL”

The One Life To Live One Life To Love Reggae Festival, which was initially scheduled for November 5th, 2022, was postponed due to the hazardous weather conditions that were happening at the time. The new date is now Sunday, February 19th, 2023, and it will be held at a new location: the Bethlehem Soccer Complex in St. Croix, USVI.

Unfortunately some of the original artists were not able to commit to the new date so the final lineup has changed. The new lineup is now Reemah, Ras Attitude, Kabaka Pyramid, Anthony B, Pressure Busspipe, Lutan Fyah, Naza Nile, Yaadcore, Irie Trees, and Dub Lab. Tickets can be purchased on eventbrite.